Hello readers! I hope everyone is having a healthy and relaxing weekend. We're recovering from a cold this past week and have been focusing on rest and hydration. This next week is an exciting one though that I wanted to share a little bit about. I was recently invited to talk about patient safety in medical cannabis at a Veterans Roundtable hosted by Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) this next Thursday, the 26th. I am incredibly excited and honored to be one of the people providing information at this event. I've said this before, cannabis is an incredible plant that has many uses within the medical field, but if we're going to consume cannabis as a medicine, then we need to be providing education as if it is a medicine. There is still much educating that needs to be done and I'm glad to see that OMMA also providing cannabis education to potentially vulnerable populations.
This excerpt on the left is taken from the OMMA website with a bit more information about the upcoming Veterans Roundtable. Here is the link to register for the event if you are local to Oklahoma City and interested in attending https://forms.office.com/g/bxgmQykwZq as well as the OMMA website https://oklahoma.gov/omma.html. Now let's get on to learning a bit about the terpenes: geranyl acetate, fenchone and camphor, three terpenes that have potential for medicinal use. We're also going to focus on the risks and precautions we must take when consuming isolated terpenes. One of the stigmas that surround cannabis is that it is 100% safe because it is natural, but that is not the case in some situations.
The first terpene that we're going to talk about today is geranyl acetate. Geranyl acetate is a remarkable terpene that boasts a solid, fruity rose aroma, and emits a soft, floral scent. Its historical use in traditional Chinese medicine as a cure-all attests to its versatility and therapeutic potential. Preclinical studies have unveiled a host of potential positive health benefits associated with geranyl acetate, making it an intriguing subject for those interested in responsible cannabis consumption as a medication. One of the most promising findings is its anti-cancer properties. In a 2018 pre-clinical study, geranyl acetate demonstrated an anti-cancer effect, specifically inducing apoptosis (cell death) in colon cancer cells. This suggests its potential as an anti-cancer agent. Geranyl acetate also exhibits antimicrobial properties, showing efficacy against fungal and bacterial infections. When combined with other compounds, it can effectively combat a wide range of bacterial strains, making it a potent weapon against infections. Furthermore, a 2019 in vitro study revealed antiviral activity against some viral strains, such as the herpes virus HSV-121. Geranyl acetate's anti-inflammatory potential is underscored by a 2014 animal study, where the essential oil of rose geranium, which contains geranyl acetate, displayed potent inhibition of the inflammatory response on the skin. While the research is not yet fully complete on the terpenes that are isolated from cannabis due to its Schedule I status, the research that we currently have (from other plants) gives us a good starting point for cannabis terpenes. However, it's crucial to note that most studies have been conducted on compounds containing geranyl acetate, rather than the isolated form of geranyl acetate. Like any substance, there are potential risks and side effects to consider. Contact with geranyl acetate can cause skin and eye irritation. Inhaling geranyl acetate has even been associated with nausea and vomiting. Long-term use in animal studies has also raised concerns about hepatotoxicity (liver toxicity). Despite these risks, geranyl acetate presents a wealth of potential health benefits, from its anti-cancer and antimicrobial properties to its anti-inflammatory effects, making it an intriguing subject for those exploring the responsible use of cannabis as a medication.
The next terpene to talk about is fenchone. Fenchone holds significant promise in the world of health and wellness, particularly in the context of cannabis consumption as a medication. A study published in 2022 investigated its potential to combat infections caused by bacteria and Candida spp., showcasing its antimicrobial and antibiofilm (biofilm is a thin, slimy film of bacteria that adheres to surfaces) properties. Fenchone was found to be effective in reducing biofilm production in E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans, crucial for preventing biofilm-related sepsis, a leading cause of wound-related deaths. Its preliminary antibacterial and antifungal screening results highlight its moderate to high potency, with E. coli being the most sensitive to fenchone. This finding makes it an attractive candidate for those seeking natural remedies for infections and wound care. With enough research, fenchone could be incredibly useful in hospitals for wounds that are colonized with E. coli. Moreover, fenchone is not limited to cannabis; it can also be found in fennel oil, oil of Lavandula stoechas, and the oil of Arbor vitae. Its applications are diverse, ranging from use in absinthe to insect repellent. It's even employed in flavoring candies, baked goods, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as in the production of soaps, detergents, perfumes, and lotions. In addition to its versatility, fenchone offers a range of health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and analgesic properties, which can be particularly beneficial for wound healing. Its unique aroma and taste, described as earthy, woody, camphorous, and cooling, make it a versatile and intriguing addition to the realm of cannabis-based medications.
The last terpene to discuss is potentially the one with the most risks and possible side effects within the cannabis plant. Learning about cannabis has been an incredibly fascinating subject to me, especially because it is often viewed as being unable to cause any harm to a person. Camphor is not normally found in high amounts within the cannabis plant, thankfully, but as cannabis becomes more commonplace in medicine cabinets, it's incredibly important to be aware of the potential negative side effects that could occur. Camphor, a terpene with an intense aroma that contributes to the minty flavor in cannabis, offers a wide array of health benefits when used responsibly. It's not just found in cannabis; it also occurs naturally in certain trees in the laurel family, rosemary leaves, camphor weed, and camphor basil. While it is predominantly known for its scent, camphor boasts powerful anesthetic and antimicrobial properties. It can be a natural remedy for colds and coughs, functioning as a natural expectorant. Camphor's potential uses span a spectrum of health benefits, including being an antiseptic, antipruritic (anti-itching), analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and more. It can help alleviate pain, reduce inflammation in the lungs and throat, and decrease itching when applied topically. In cases of osteoarthritis, a combination of camphor with glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate has shown promise in reducing pain. However, it's essential to use camphor cautiously, as it can be toxic when ingested or applied excessively on the skin. In children, ingestion of camphor can lead to liver and nervous system damage, while excessive skin exposure can result in symptoms like tremors, nausea, and seizures. It's crucial to exercise caution and keep camphor out of reach of young children and avoid using it with other hepatotoxic drugs. Additionally, camphor is flammable and should be handled with care. While camphor should only be used with extreme caution and predominantly on adults, the FDA has classified it as safe for use in medicines with the oversight of a doctor and only with a concentration of less than 11% pure camphor.
To summarize, understanding the potential health benefits and risks associated with consuming cannabis terpenes like geranyl acetate, fenchone and camphor as medicine is vital for informed decision-making. These compounds hold promise in various therapeutic applications, offering anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, among others. However, it is crucial to approach their usage with caution, as excessive or improper consumption can lead to adverse effects. The key lies in responsible usage, consulting healthcare professionals, and staying informed about the latest research in the medicinal cannabis field to harness the potential of these terpenes while minimizing risk. If you or a loved one is curious about how medicinal cannabis could be useful in your situation and are wanting to talk with a healthcare professional first, that is exactly what The Green Nurse Educator can help out with. Reach out to me here in the comments or on social media with any questions you have, I would love to talk with you about cannabis medicine.
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